Prayer

An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In
amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for
existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the
midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune
with Him. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.
Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real
communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press
through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the
sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the
divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work.
These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of
strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a
renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of
His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame
and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.
Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit
down in companionship with Him—this is our need. Happy will it be for the children
of our homes and the students of our schools when parents and teachers shall learn
in their own lives the precious experience pictured in these words from the Song of
Songs:
“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood,
So is my Beloved among the sons.
I sat down under His shadow with great delight,
And His fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house,
And His banner over me was love.” Canticles 2:3, 4.
*[This chapter appears in Education, 253-261.]
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